Vote - Malcs

I think there is a scientific reason somewhere behind this. The guys on the sub 3 thread will know much more but I feel like this when I increase my long run. Once I get enough long runs in I don't suffer so much. It could be linked to not doing enough long runs, maybe/

Probably talking out of my backside but it's worth a post on the Sub 3:15 thread. You'll be on there in time anyhow - might as well introduce yourself now. Just say I suggested you ask them. Some of the guys know everything!

Malcs, the reason for cramp isn't fully understood, what I've found is hydrate from a few days out (Nuun's work well).  Paris last year was flipping freezing so don't worry about training cold running hot!

Ha That would suit me down to the ground Choisty! I did the Spitfire 20 last year as part of my run up to VLM. It was absolutely nobbling but I hardly needed any water and took no salts. Felt great at the end, easily better than on any of my marathons.

Well done on last year btw. How did you cope at this stage with all the nerves and anticipation? It's like Christmas with all the excitement but only a 25% chance of Santa stobbing by  

DS2 - excellent, I will do that. Thanks again for all your advise, you're a star!

Afternoon Malcs! Thought I could get through the no post embargo by saying hello here instead! Have you got any fingernails left?

Let me just check....no, all gone! On the flip side, that's a bit less weight to carry, will probably knock a good fraction of a second off my time

Having spoken to the others I don't think I'm the only one riding the wave of adrenaline. How about you?

Malcs - you can tell which one's of us work for ourselves can't you?

Malcs wrote (see)

I ran 42:05 at the Eposom Oddballs Perch earlier this year and was extatic until I checked my Garmin and it read 6.05 miles so I'm not counting that    .

I think you should - it's a 6.25 mile race and gps sometimes won't get a good signal in the trees around Nonsuch Park.  It may not be a 100% accurate course but I'd be surprised if it was less than 10k.  Are you local then?

DS2 wrote (see)

Malcs - you can tell which one's of us work for ourselves can't you?

I may have to fire myself now, or at least put myself on unpaid leave!

Cheerful Dave - aha! Well yes, I thought that it said it was a 'just over 10K' race so I was gutted when I checked my watch. I had assumed I had strayed off course so this is brilliant news

I'd really like to get under 40 mins at some stage but I'd swap that in an instant to get through to Paris and achieve my marathon goals.

Are you a member at Epsom?

I'm not local to Epsom but I'm not far away, in Orpington.

The Perch was the first run in a series of charity races I did with a friend of mine. He does live in Epsom so it was good to start there. I have to say it was a great race - very well organised. I even enjoyed the mud - never run sideways before. In places it was like rally driving for runners - loved it

I'm not far from Epsom malcs, I run for one of the other clubs in the area. 

If your marathon training goes to plan you'll be in shape for a quick 10k in the summer.  Sutton 10k will probably be around 2-3 weeks after Paris, you'd crack 40 there for sure if you managed 42 at the Perch.

Excellent - book me in! Sutton is a bit closer too

Fingernails left? Nope!

I'm having a blast though! It's great chatting to so many people! Wheeeee! Talking abuot running almost as good as running!!

Do I know you from somewhere Malcs?!

Ha! You're not the first person to have asked me that today . 

I'm still convinced we have met before you know. It'll come to me soon and I'll kick myself for not having remembered sooner. Although I am entertaining the possiblity that I could be wrong and you just bear a slight resemblande to former England scrum half Matt Dawson . 

Bugger - kids' dinner is burning....sh...

Semi-rescued.

The most charred items have been removed and will make good BBQ fuel for the summer. The rest have been scraped and are now relatively carbon free. Tommy sauce will disguise any remaining evidence and my cunning plan is complete.

I will report back on my success later.

So ... vomiting children and ketchup stained walls? Or has cunning plan worked?

Complete success thanks!

I daren't say what I was cooking in case Ruth McKean is listening in